updated 02:38 pm EDT, Fri October 12, 2012

Windows 8 Marketplace requirements affects EU gamers

Microsoft is blocking 'Adult' rated video games in the Windows 8 Marketplace. The policy found in the Windows 8 App Certification Requirements stops any game rated higher than 'Mature' in the US or rated PEGI 18 in Europe from being sold in the app store, in what has been described as an exercise in brand management. The restriction however is being seen as more of an issue for European gamers than US-based customers of the app store.

In the US, the ESRB very rarely issues a game with an 'Adults Only' rating, with game producers avoiding the rating so the game can be stocked in the most stores possible. In the UK and Europe, games rated PEGI 18 are far more commonplace, with four percent of all titles rated receiving the designation. Many titles that manage to avoid an 'Adults Only' rating in the US still receive a PEGI 18 rating, which would mean that games such as Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim would be permitted to be sold through the Windows 8 Marketplace in the US, but not in Europe.

Although the policy applies to the Windows 8 Marketplace, it does not prevent gamers from installing banned titles gained through Steam or retail stores. [viaKotaku]

Microsoft is blocking 'Adult' rated video games in the Windows 8 Marketplace. The policy found in the Windows 8 App Certification Requirements stops any game rated higher than 'Mature' in the US or rated PEGI 18 in Europe from being sold in the app store, in what has been described as an exercise in brand management. The restriction however is being seen as more of an issue for European gamers than US-based customers of the app store.

In the US, the ESRB very rarely issues a game with an 'Adults Only' rating, with game producers avoiding the rating so the game can be stocked in the most stores possible. In the UK and Europe, games rated PEGI 18 are far more commonplace, with four percent of all titles rated receiving the designation. Many titles that manage to avoid an 'Adults Only' rating in the US still receive a PEGI 18 rating, which would mean that games such as Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim would be permitted to be sold through the Windows 8 Marketplace in the US, but not in Europe.
Although the policy applies to the Windows 8 Marketplace, it does not prevent gamers from installing banned titles gained through Steam or retail stores. [viaKotaku]